Christie has been building a good reputation in her four career starts before her fifth race at Yarra Valley on Sunday 18 March. Her three placings pleased Nigel and connections, with the daughter of Mastercraftsman showing a strong closing finish and an ability to keep improving over ground.
Stepping up to 1950m after two runs at 1600m and her strong closing second placing at Kyneton four weeks early, Christie started a warm favourite in the Robert Rose Foundation Maiden at Yarra Valley.
There was a good level of confidence about her chances, with Nigel thinking the the extra 100m of the race would suit.
In customary style, Christie settled nicely just a little worse than midfield, before Jordan Childs timed his run to perfection and made his way through the field.
So strong was this initial move, Christie found herself with an open straight in front of her for the first time in her career. Her biggest challenger, Capitas, ran a little wide on the turn and was therefore several horse widths further out in the straight. Despite the new challenge presented, Christie remained strong to the line running a handy 22.54 seconds for her final 400m to score her maiden victory.
Christie is another filly raced on lease from Windsor Park (NZ) and Mike & Helen Moran and connections. Congratulations to Ian and Karyn Lewis who again put a great group together to lease this filly.
Mr I J Lewis, Mrs K M Lewis, Mrs H M Moran, Mrs C M Anselmi, Mrs N S Cochrane, Mrs C N Pollock, Mr D K Maudsley, Mrs A Maudsley, Mr L B Allsopp, Mrs G Allsopp, Mr M Minfa, Mr S R Reid, Mr J D Reid, Mr J L Reid, Mr J Grogan, Mrs S Saunders, Mr W Bradshaw, Mr R Marino, Mr P R Latoszynski, Mr M G Reeves
By Mastercraftsman (IRE), a proven stallion especially of fillies and mares who get over ground, Christie continues to improve with each run and with maturity. Jordan Childs confirmed the thoughts of Nigel and Syndicate Manager Ian Lewis, that Christie will be even more suited over more ground. Nigel is not convinced she will be a true mile and a half horse necessarily, but we look forward to finding a suitable race over 2000-2200m next start. Perhaps at Caulfield on Easter Saturday.
And if you are wondering, Christie was named after Agatha Christie. After all, her dam is British Dame.
Images courtesy of Brett Holburt/Racing Photos.
Thanks to the Robert Rose Foundation who sponsored the race at Yarra Valley. They provide support to those with trauma spinal cord injuries and their families. Check out their website.